ADHD Evaluation - What Happens in the First Step?
A healthcare professional evaluating ADHD will ask you, and your closest family members (your spouse or sibling in the case of an adult- about your symptoms. This can provide insights that questionnaires don't.
The process of diagnosing ADHD in adulthood is a bit more difficult, as diagnostic guidelines are targeted at children. It's important to find a doctor who specializes in the field who takes the time with your evaluation.
Signs and symptoms
The first step in the process of conducting an ADHD evaluation is to have the patient talk honestly and openly about his symptoms and how they impact his daily life. Adults may not want to admit to having trouble paying attention, following instructions or organizing tasks. But getting an accurate diagnosis will help you control symptoms and live a happier life.
The evaluator asks the person to tell them about their medical and personal history, from childhood until now. The evaluator will also review the American Psychiatric Association’s guidelines for the treatment of this disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5).
To meet criteria for a diagnosis of ADHD, an adult must have a history of at least six established symptoms in one or both of two main categories--inattention or hyperactivity/impulsivity--for six months. The symptoms must have caused significant impairment in at least two important situations, like work or school. The evaluator should also rule out any other conditions that may cause similar symptoms as ADHD, such as depression, anxiety or intellectual disability.
In addition to an interview, a doctor may utilize behavioral rating scales or ADHD symptoms checklists to collect information regarding the severity of symptoms. Psychological tests that test executive functioning, visual and spatial reasoning and working memory can aid in identifying ADHD symptoms in adults. Based on the circumstances doctors may ask for permission to talk with those close to the person who can provide valuable insight and support. For example, they might seek out the names of spouses, parents or siblings to talk with them about the person's struggles at home and at work.
A physical examination is typically part of an ADHD evaluation. It can help rule other conditions that could cause similar symptoms. For instance, thyroid issues and seizures can cause symptoms that look a lot similar to ADHD. The evaluator can also perform a neurological examination to determine if there are indications of injury or damage to the brain that could be the cause of the symptoms. The evaluator may also suggest blood and urinary tests to determine if there is other conditions that might affect treatment. For example, depression or the use of alcohol or drugs.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will examine symptoms that are present in various settings, like at work, home or at school. They should also last for a lengthy period of time. Then, the doctor will determine how much these symptoms affect your everyday life. If they cause a lot of trouble, it's likely that you or your child will meet the criteria for a diagnosis of either inattentive or hyperactive-impulsive ADHD.
Doctors employ the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - Fifth Edition to determine if children have. They will examine the symptoms of your child and how they affect their lives. They might also conduct an interview. The interview will comprise an overview of your child's medical family, psychiatric, or medical history. You will be asked about your child's mood and behavior, as well as performance.
It is more difficult to identify adults. The DSM-V is designed to diagnose children. There is some debate as to whether the criteria are still applicable to adults. To meet the criteria for a diagnosis, an adult must have 6 or more symptoms of inattentive ADHD or 7 or more symptoms of hyperactive-impulsive ADHD. These symptoms must be present for a prolonged time and must interfere with everyday functioning at work, school or at home.
Your doctor may also request other tests in addition to a clinical interview to determine the nature and severity of your symptoms or the child's. This could include the blood test or an EEG test. adhd diagnosed can help to rule out conditions that are similar to depressive or learning disabilities.
A request to your family doctor to recommend you to a specialist who can evaluate your ADHD or the ADHD of your child is an excellent place to begin. You can also call your insurance provider to inquire whether there are specialists that are covered by your plan and who specialize in ADHD evaluations for adults. You can also contact an organization in your area and request recommendations. You can also call an academic medical center or university hospital to obtain a list of professionals that perform ADHD evaluations.
Treatment
ADHD symptoms can cause serious problems at work or at school, and can cause problems with relationships. Getting a diagnosis and taking medication can improve functioning and decrease symptoms. People with ADHD might also need to change their lifestyle, such as adjusting sleeping schedules, using a daily planner or increasing exercise.
A person suffering from ADHD should consult with the primary care provider or an expert in mental health or both to get an evaluation. In this interview the doctor will discuss topics including development as well as family and lifestyle history, and current symptoms and issues. The practitioner will inquire about the individual's performance, behavior, and productivity, and if they have trouble with impulsive or focused actions. They'll be interested in knowing how long the symptoms have gone on, where and when they began, and how much distress or problems they cause.
The evaluator may be looking to speak to other people in the life of the patient, such as spouses, parents or siblings for adults, as well as teachers, coaches and daycare providers for children. These people can offer insights that questionnaires are unable to provide be able to provide, for instance, the fact that the patient frequently forgets or stops tasks during the course of a task. They may also be able to reveal what triggers symptoms.
ADHD is treated by a variety of behavioral therapies and medications. Medications may include stimulants like amphetamine or nonstimulant drugs such as atomoxetine (Serenade) and dexamfetamine (Vyvanse). These drugs improve blood flow to the brain, reducing impulse-driven behavior, and permit people to pay focus and follow instructions. These drugs can be taken either orally or intravenously and are generally well tolerated.
Therapy can help people suffering from ADHD develop strategies to overcome the difficulties they face. Therapists can help people learn how to organize their lives and track their appointments, and provide support and guidance in dealing with the effects of ADHD symptoms on their home and work life. Family therapy and marriage therapy is a great way to address the problems caused by ADHD in relationships. It can also help teach coping skills and help resolve conflict that may arise.
Medication
In order for a health professional to diagnose ADHD it is necessary to evaluate many things. They will inquire about your child's symptoms at home, at school and in other places. They will also utilize questionnaires or scales that are specific for ADHD. They may also inquire about family history. They may also search for other conditions that could cause the symptoms, such as learning disabilities and mood disorders. They will also determine the severity of the symptoms and if they affect your child's life.
There is no physical test to determine ADHD. This includes X-rays and blood tests. To determine if you have ADHD, your child's healthcare provider will adhere to the guidelines developed by the American Psychiatric Association. These guidelines are geared towards children aged 4-18 years of age. Adults are more difficult to diagnose. The symptoms of ADHD may change as time passes. People who have ADHD can be diagnosed as predominately inattentive, predominately hyperactive-impulsive or a combination of the two.
A child must exhibit six or more symptoms listed in the guidelines to be diagnosed as having ADHD. The guidelines also state the symptoms must be present for a minimum of six months. If your child is being assessed for ADHD it is recommended that they be evaluated by someone who is familiar with them. Included in this are their teachers, coaches, religious leaders, and other caregivers. You should also ask them what the effects of their ailments are on their daily life and how they perform with other children their own age.
The most commonly used treatment for ADHD is medication. Both nonstimulant and stimulant medications can be prescribed to reduce ADHD. The most commonly prescribed stimulants are methylphenidate, amphetamine and other stimulants. These drugs balance and boost levels of certain chemicals in the brain. Other drugs that can be used to treat ADHD include the antidepressant atomoxetine and some antipsychotics. They are less effective than stimulants, but they can be helpful for people who are unable to use stimulant medication because of health issues or serious side effects. The medications can be used in conjunction with other treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy.